Pattern mechanism for knitting machines



Sept. 15,-1942. M. c. MILLER E-rAl. 2,295,597

PATTERN MECHANISM FOR KNITTING MCHINESy Filed Feb. 2; 1939v A e sheets-sheet 1.

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Sept. 15,'1942, .M.Ac. MILLER r-:rAL 2,295,597

PATTERN MECHANISM FOR KNITTING MACHINES Filed Feb. 2, 1939 a sheets-sheet 2 Sept. 15, 1942. 4 M. c; MILLER ETAL l 2,295,597 PATTERN MEGHANISM FOR KNITTING MACHINES Filed Feb. 2, 19:59 a Sheets-sheet s 7n INENTQR w.; MJ BY ATRNEYS? Sept. 15, 1942. YM. c. MILLER ETAL 2,295,597

PA'J'TERILI MECHANISM FOR KNITTING MACHINES f Filed Feb. 2, 1939 8 sheets-sheet 4 IIAVIIIT l l l l I Hllllllllldn Il. A IIN v Sept. 15, 1942. M. c.- MILLER Erm- 2,295,597

` PATTERN MECHANISM FOR KNITTING MAcHIEg l Fi'led Feb. 2, '1959 a sheets-sheet 5 Sept. 15, 1942. M. c. MILLER ETAL PATTRN MECHANISM FOR KNITTING MACHINES s 6 n T 9N m N R S E o er m n. A ,ov

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Filed Feb. 2, 1959 M. c. MILLER Erm'.

PATTERN MECHANISM FOR l-{NITTING` MACHINES ...Wmw n@ ab@ 4 QNW Smm, .Q .www mmm 7| Sept. 15, 1942.y

Sept. 15, 1942. M. c. MlLLER r-:rAL

PATTERN MECHANISM FOR KNITTING .MACHINES 8 Shee'ts-Sheet 8 Filed Feb. 2. 1939 intended.

rammed sepais, 1942 srA'res mucus.f

PATTERN MECHANISM FORJKNITTING `MACHINES Application February z, 1939, serial No) 254,246 39 claims. '(CL ca -15,4)

The present invention relates to improvements in pattern mechanism for knitting machines.

The invention is herein disclosed in a preferred form as embodied in a flat full-fashioned knitting machine of the general description which includes knitting devices and various auxiliary mechanisms for performing fashioning and other may comprise one or a plurality of knitting sections, and also to machines of other types including circular machines which may be fitted for the performance of all or a portion only of the 1 several functions. of which such machines are capable.

Machines of the general class referred to are ordinarily provided with a pattern chain which is given a step-by-step advancing movement during the knitting of the successive coursesof the blank, and operates through the cooperation of buttons on the chain and cooperating pattern levers supported adjacent the usual single driving sprocket at one end of the chain, to automatically institute and discontinue various operations of the series. With the increasing demand for complete automaticity, and with the greater complexity of modern full-fashioned machines,

the number of individual pattern controls which it is required to operate, has increased far beyondthe capacity of the ordinary pattern chain. In modern machines which may require eighty or more individual pattern controls, it has been found necessary to provide additional pattern mechanisms supplemental to the main pattern chain of the machine which may, for example, take the form of supplemental pattern chains o r pattern shafts, for the actuation vof the many pattern controls. Auxiliary mechanisms of this general description, have been found objectionable in that they are costly and tend to greatly increase the number of operating parts, and also the hazard of failure of the pattern mechanism properly to perform the functions for which it is It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved pattern mechanism including a pattern chain or Vequivalent formof pattern carrier having actuating bumps thereon, for dictating the operation of the several cooperating mechanisms during the continuance of the knitting operation, and a novel and improved arrangement of the pattern controls, these parts being constructed and arranged to permit the actuation of a very large number of pattern controls directly from the chain vwithout unduly increasing the size and weight of the chain, or the mass and complexity of the pattern controls actuated therefrom.

It is more specifically an object of the. invention to provide a novel construction and arrangement of a pattern chain and the driving and control mechanisms associated therewith, to permit'the location of pattern levers to be actuated by buttons on the chain at a number of separate control stations located along the Ilength of the machine, whereby a simple and effective arrangement of the pattern chain actuated' controls may be effected, with the elimination of long linkage connections in the pattern controls between the several pattern levers and the actuating mechanisms controlled thereby.

It is another object of the invention to provide in a pattern mechanism of this general description comprising a pattern chain for dictating the operation of the several cooperating mechanisms of the machine, a novel construction and arrangement of .the chain and the actuating and pattern control mechanisms associated therewith whereby adjustment of the pattern mechanism may readily be made to permit a greater facility in adjustment of the pattern mechanism than is possible with pattern controls knownin the art, to adapt the machine for the manufacture of any particular size, shape or design of hosiery blank or other knitted article as the case may be.

With these and other objects in view as may hereinafter appear, va feature of the present invention consists in the provision of a pattern mechanism for a fiat knitting machine comprising an endless .pattern chain supported along the length of the machine, and a plurality of pattern control stations spaced along the length of the chain, each comprising a number of pattern control elements arranged to be acted upon by the Another feature of the invention consists inv the novel construction and arrangement ofthe driving and supporting mechanism for the chain comprising a separate driving sprocket associ-- ated with each pattern control station, and means for simultaneously driving said sprockets to cause the activating portions of the chain at each control station to be supported and advanced in an exact timed relation to the operation of the machine.

Another feature of the inventionconsists in the novel construction and arrangement of the pattern chain and the pattern control elements actuated thereby, whereby narrow gauge control buttons may be employed without complication of said pattern elements to permit a very large number of such pattern buttons and pattern elements controlled thereby to be spaced widthwiseof the chain without unduly increasing the width or total weight thereof.

Another feature of the invention consists in the provision of a pattern mechanism including a pattern chain and racking means for advancing the chain one or more unit distancesto a new operating position at regularly recurring intervals during the continued rotation of the machine, in which the pattern chain is of sumcient length, so that the number of unit lengths in the chain will be at least equal to or in excess of the greatest number ofsuch intervals which will occur in the knitting of the longest fabric piece which the machine will be called upon to produce.

Another feature of the invention consists in the provision in a pattern mechanism of this description, of a variable racking means which is automatically adjustable to advance the chain one or a plurality of such unit distances during each of said intervals. I

Another feature of the invention consists in the provision of a novel and improved form of pattern control actuated from the chain to cause such a pattern control to be moved into and held in operating position during the knitting of a number of successive courses by a single button `on the chain, and subsequently to be thrown out of operation by a second vbutton on the chain,

whereby the use of the usual series of pattern L chain buttons to hold the pattern control in its raised operative position during the knitting of a number of consecutive courses is eliminated, with a consequent simplification of the chain and resulting ease of adjustment.

Other features of the invention consist Ain the various improvements of the pattern mechanism disclosed, adapted to secure a simple and most efllcient construction and operation of the pattern mechanism,A and to facilitate adjustment and control of the pattern mechanism by the operator. L

The several features of the invention consist also in the devices, combinations and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and claimed, which together with the advantages to be obtained thereby will be readily understood by one skilled in the art from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic plan view showing. the left half of a twenty-four section full-fashioned knitting machine, to illustrate particularly the improved pattern mechanism including the pattern chainand a number of control stations cooperating therewith spaced along the length of the chain; Fig. la is a plan view similar to Fig. l, showing the right hand half of the machine; Fig. 2 is a sectional -view in left side elevation, taken on a line 2-2 of Fig. 1a illustrating particularly one of the pattern control stations and including the Pointex spindle pattern control associated therewith; Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail cross section of thevmachine looking from the left, illustrating particularly the left hand control station of Fig.

parts broken away illustrating particularly the narrowing control, together with one specific.

form of pattern control element for imparting motion from the pattern chain; Fig. 'l is a sectional end view looking fromthe left of the left hand control station of the machine, showing the chain in its lowered inoperative position to permit resetting or'adjustmentof thepattern chain; Fig. 8 is a detail view looking from the rear, illustrating aspeciiic form of control associated with one of the intermediate pattern control stations of the machine; Fig. 9 is a view looking from the right, of substantially the parts shown in Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a detail sectional view in front elevation illustrating particularly the right hand control station and the belt tightening device of Fig. la; and Fig. 11 is a somewhat diagrammatic plan view showing a portion of the pattern chain, together with the control buttons thereon.

The invention is herein disclosed as embodied in a fully automatic fiat full-fashioned knitting machine which may be of ordinary description, only so much of the machine being herein disclosed as is believed'necessary to illustrate the connection of thepresent invention therewith.-

As best shown: in Figs. 1, 1a and 2 of the drawings, the machine comprises a twenty-four section machine having the usual cross frames I0 located at spaced intervals along the length of the machine and rigidly connected together by the usual lower front rail I2, rear rail I4, sinker rail `I6 and work table I8. The machine is also provided with the usual operating shafts extending along the length of the machine, a number of these shafts including the needle knitting motion shaft 20 and needle press motion shaft 22, the catch bar forward and back motion shaft 24, and the web holder vertical motion rock shaft 26 being shown in Fig. 2 o f the drawings. The machine is also provided with the usual main cam shaft 28 lwhich extends throughout the length of the machine and is provided with the usual operating cams for actuating the several co-operating mechanisms of the machine.

'Ihe knitting instrumentalities of the machine include a series of knitting needles 30 associated with each knitting section supported for movement en masse on needle bars 32, yarn measuring sinkers 34 slidably supported in sinker bed 36 and knockover bits 38. A narrowing machine frame of ordinary description is shown in Fig, 2 comprising supporting arms 40 secured to rock shaft 42 extending along the length of the machine and lengthwise extending connecting rod 44. A narrowing spindle of ordinary description for controlling the positions of the narrowing points (not shown) is indicated at 46, together with the actuating connections therefor including ratchet 48, pawl l5ll,paw1 link 52, and cam actuated lever 54. The machine is also provided with the usual yarn carriers such as that indicated at 56, secured to carrier rods which are supported for sliding movement in carrier rod supports 58 versely of located at spaced intervals along the length of the machine. Reciprocating movements are imparted to the yarn carriers' and advancing movements are imparted to the sinkers by means of the usualfriction bar and slur cock mechanism.

As shown in Fig. 2, the usual friction `driving rod for the machine is designated at 60 having` mounted thereonfriction boxes such as that designated at 62 connected by arm 64 with a selected ncarrier rod. v

In accordance-with the present invention, applicants have provided a novel and improved pattern control mechanism for the machine which comprises a pattern lchain 80 and racking mechanism controlled from the main cam shaft of the machine for advancing the chain one or more unit distances at regularly recurring intervals of machine rotation. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention th'e interval chosen is the rotation of the main cam shaft through one revolution. It will be understood, however, that a dierent interval may be employed as, .for exv will be'preferably not more than one-eighth inch in thickness so that a large number of lanes for the pattern buttons may be provided Without uny is proposed to employ very narrow buttons which duly increasing the width and consequent weight .and diiliculty in construction of the pattern ch'ain. In the event that the six pattern ,control stations 8l to 86 inclusive, are employed, it is proposed to arrange the'lanes and pattern buttons supported thereon so that every sixth lane considered widthwise of the chain will cooperate with`a pattern lever mounted on thel same pattern control station. In this manner, it is pos-F sible to employ the extremely narrow buttons above noted in combination with Apattern levers which may be of the usual relatively heavy construction on eachpattern control station. It may beassumed, for examplefthat thebuttons loample, the rotation of the cam shaft through a designated number of revolutions. The pattern l chain 80 is made up of a large number of unit lengths which may be dened as the length of chain required between centers of buttons located in adjoining positions lengthwise of the chain for controlling the operation oi the machine at each recurring interval of machine rotation. In ac- -is moved one or more unit distances from one operating position to another in the knitting of a single foot and leg hosiery blank. For purposes of illustration, it will be assumed that the longest foot and leg stocking blank which th'e machine will be called upon to knit will require 4800 revolutions of the main camshaft, that the chain is advanced at least one unit distance with each revolution of the'cam shaft, andthat the total length of the chain employed will, therefore, be

the sum of 4800 such unit lengths. In the illustrated construction, y,the chain is made up of a series of links which are\ constructed and arranged to permit the supporting of pattern buttons on each of said links. Since an advancing movement of the chain equal to one length of the link will operate to place th'e next succeeding button on the chain in operating position, the chain will have 4800 links.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the pattern chain 80 is arranged with a relatively large number of patern control stations, six such pattern stations numbered consecutively 8I, 82, 83, 84, 85 and 86 being shown in Figs. 1 and la of the drawings. It will be understood that a greater or less number of such stations may be employed, as may befound desirable, in

Y the manufacture of individual machines. Each of the pattern control stations generally referred the chain on which are supported a desired number of lpattern levers .arranged to be engaged by bumps on the chain. It will be understood that a separate-lane considered widthwise of the chain is provided for the button or buttons arranged for actuation of each cooperating pattern lever which may be located at any one of th'e several pattern control stations. In accordance with one feature of the invention, it

to comprises a supporting frame extending transcated in lanes i, 1, I3 and so on, will'be acted upon only by pattern levers located at one designated pattern control station of the machine,

that lanes, 2, 8, I 4 etc. will cooperate only with pattern levers located on a second such pattern control station of the machine. Y

'To-insure that the narrow 'engaging portions .of the pattern levers will be accurately registered withthe cooperating buttons on the chain, there is provided with each control station, 'a guiding comb' 81 throughwhich the button engaging portions of the pattern levers extend.

In order that the chain may be properly supported at each of the several operating stations,

and further that the movement of the chain at each station may be properly synchronized with the operation of the machine independently of any slack which may be provided in the chain along its length to take care of contraction or expansion', applicants provide a separate driving sprocket for the chain at each pattern control station, and a single drive through which the sprockets are given a synchronized step-bystep advancing movement. In the preferred construction, there is associated witheach driving sprocket, a table support which extends lengthwise of the chain from each side of the associated driving sprocket, so that the chain is supported in a uniformly flat position for an appreciable C distance at each driving station. With this construction and arrangement of the driving and` supporting means for the chain, it will readily be seen that the positions of the several cooperating pattern levers at any one control station, may be staggered with relation to one another to permit the use of a relatively largeAv number of such pattern controls without interference from one another.

Further in accordance with the invention, applicants provide means for simultaneously moving the several driving sprockets and the chain supported thereon downwardly away from the cooperating pattern levers' to permit manual racking or resetting of the chain as may be desired without disturbing the setting of the several pattern controls through the engagement of the buttons with associated pattern levers at any of the several pattern control stations.

As best shown in Figs. 3, 7 and 11 of the drawings, the pattern chain 80 is supported atea-ch driving stationupon identical driving sprockets 88 secured to sprocket shafts 89 rotatably supported on brackets 90. Each of the shafts 89 is provided at its forward end with abevel gear 92 which meshes with a cooperating bevel gear 94 secured to a pattern drive shaft 96 extending along the length of the machine, it being understood that there is one such bevel gear 94 ar' ranged for engagement with a cooperating bevel gear 92 and sprocket shaft 89 foreach driving station along the length of the machine.' 'I'he extreme rightv hand end of the pattern chain 80, as shown in Figs. la and 10, is Supported on an additional sprocket 88, which together with its supporting pivot shaft 89, serves as a chain tightening unit. 'I'his idler unit including sprocket 88 and shaft 89, is carried on a bracket 95 having sliding engagement with the drive shaft 98. Adjustments in the position of the bracket 95 lengthwise of the shaft 96, in order to tighten or loosen the pattern chain are effected by means of an adjusting screw 91 lscrew-threaded into a nut formed in an extension of the bracket 95, land rotatably supported against axial movement in a stationary bracket 99.

The supporting brackets 90 for the driving sprockets 88 vandchainA 80 are pivotally supported on. the pattern drive shaft 90 and are controlled to be moved simultaneously into the horizontal operating position shown in Fig. 3 or to the alternative depressed inoperative position shown in Fig. 7 through connections which include a worm gear segment 98 rigidly secured to the hub portion of each bracket 90, and arranged for engagement with a worm on a vertically extending worm shaft |02, one such worm |00 and shaft |02 being provided for each supporting bracket 90. The shafts |02 at their upper e'nds are provided with bevel gears |08 whichmesh with bevel gears |08 secured to a shaft |00 extending along the length of the machine. Fixed bearing brackets I0 spaced along the length of the machine provide bearing support for the shaft |08 which is provided at the lefthand end, as shown in Fig, 1, with a hand wheel H2. The several, supporting brackets 90, sprockets 88 and chain 80, are normally locked in their 40' relatively raised operative position by means .of a horizontally disposed locking plunger |01 supported in a sleeve jacket |09 formed rigidly with the machine frame (see Figs. 4 and '1). 'Ihe plunger |01 is arranged for locking engagement with a socket formed on an` upwardly extending portion IIB hereinafter more fully to be described, of the bracket 90 associated with the extreme left-hand control station 8| of the machine. The plunger |01 is provided with a knurled head to facilitate actuation thereof by the operator, and is spring-pressed into its locking position by means of a small compression spring H3. When moving the chain to its disengaged position, the operator must flrstmanually withdraw the plunger |01, thereafter turning the hand wheel ||2, so that the plunger is moved out of alignment with its socket. 'I'he socket IH is provided with a bevelled edge which contacts with the plunger during the return or upward movement of the chain and associated parts to operating position, to cause the plunger |01 to be retracted against the pressure of-its spring 3, and then to be snapped into locking engagement with the socket hole. l

In order that the setting of the pattern chain 80 may not be disturbed by the operation of swinging the brackets 90 to and from the operative position shown -in Fig. 3, there is.provided.

a' locking device under the control of the operator for locking the drive shaft 98 for the pattern chain in a fixed angular position with relation'` to the brackets 90. The locking device referred to, comprises a spring-pressed detent plunger ||8 supported in an upwardly extending sleeve Jacket ring intervals during machine ||8 mounted on the bracket 90 associated with the left-hand end pattern control station of the machine, see Figs. 3, 5 and 7. A small compression spring ||1-coiled about the plunger H4 between a collar I I8 on the plunger and a shouldered portion of the sleeve Jacket 8 tends to move the plunger downwardly into engagement with a lock tooth disk |20 on the drive shaft Il. A detent lever |22 pivotally connected to the upper end of the plunger H8 and arranged for engagement against the upper end of the sleeve jacket |I8 provides a convenient means forraising the plunger Ill to a normally inoperative position. Movement of the detent lever |22 to the horizontal position shown in Fig. '1 causes the plunger Ill to be moved downwardly under the` pressure of its spring ||1 into locking engagement with the lock tooth disk |20, thus locking the shaft 96 and driving sprockets 88 in a xed angular position lduring rocking movement of the brackets 90 into and out of operating position.

Applicants improved pattern chain and the racking mechanism therefor, are constructed and arranged to permit variations in the length of the knitted garment to be made, without the necessity of complicated adjustments involving either variation of the total length of the chain or the positions. of the many chain buttons mounted thereon.

Features of applicants improved construction now more particularly to be described, include means for racking the chain at regularly recuroperation, means for varying the operation of theracking means to advance the chain at each interval one or more unit distances as may be desired, a pattern control for this mechanism, a locking device for maintaining any selected pattern lever or levers in their raised operative position during any desired number of successive rackings of the chain,

and means controlled from the pattern chain ofthe machine for controlling the voperation of the locking means,

and also for controlling the racking means to cause the chain to be advanced one or more unit distances as may-be desired each succeeding interval of machine operation at which racking takes place.

With the illustrated construction, applicants preferably provide a pattern chain of sulcient length having a number of unit lengths at least equal to or in excess of the maximum number of such regularly recurring intervals which may be required for the knitting of the longest fabric piece which the machine will be called upon to produce. With the construction shown in the drawings, it is assumed that the chain willbe racked once for each full revolution of the main cam shaft, and will therefore be advanced at least one unit distance for each revolution of the main cam shaft. It will be understood, however, that applicants are not to be limited to the specific racking interval employed, and that some other interval of machine operation could be chosen within which the chain is advanced at least one unit distance to 'its next operating position.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention', applicants disclose a racking mechanism which is capable of racking the pattern chain from one to four unit distances during each recurring interval.- 'I'his mechanism is controlled from the pattern chain to reduce or increase as may be desired, the number of rackings which will take place during any desired portion of the knitting operation. For example, if. it is assumed that the longest welt to be knitted is 8", andthat 400 courses are required for the knitting of such a welt, the chain will be racked through one unit distance with each recurring interval, or 200 times, prior to the knitting of the picot, and will again be racked through one unit distance with each recurring interval, or 200 additional times, before the operation of closing.the welt takes place. Where a shorter length of welt is to be knitted, the variable racking mechanism hereinafter more,fully to be described, will be rendered operative during certain of said recurring intervals to cause the racking mechanism to advance the chain at each interval through a plurality of such unit distances, thus causing the chain to be advanced more rapidly to a position at which the picot button and subsequently the Welt closing control buttons will be rendered operative to in- A stitute each of the picot and welt closing operations, and this without requiring any change in the actual length of the chain or in the position Y of the usual control buttons thereon.

Asbest shown in Figs. 3 and 5, four ratchets |40, |42, |44 and |46 are secured to the pattern drive shaft- 96 and are arranged to be acted upon respectively by pawls |48, |50, |52 and |54 supported on upwardly extending arms-of cam actuated levers |56, |58', |60 and |62 loosely mounted to turn on pivot shaft |64 on aliixed bracket |66. Each of the cam actuated levers above mentioned is provided with a cam roller for engagement with a corresponding cam on the main cam shaft 28 of the machine. These cams 'are designated respectively at |68, |10, |12 and |14, and are arranged with Acam rise portions of different heights for imparting reciprocating movements of different extent to each of the pawls |48 to |54 inclusive. The pawll54, when engagedwith the ratchet |46, operates to advance the pattern chain 80 one unit distance with each racking movement of the pawl. Pawls |52, |50 and 48 are arranged when engaged with their cooperating ratchets to advance the chain two, three and four unit distances respectively each racking movement of the selected pawl.

Further in accordance with the invention, mechanism is provided which is controlled from the pattern chain of the machine for controlling the positions of the pawls |48 to |54 inclusive to cause any one of the four pawls to be broughtv into operative relation to its cooperating ratchet and to maintain the others of said pawls in inoperative position. This mechanism, as best shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, comprises four slide control members |16, |18, |80 and |82 extending transversely of and beneath the pawls |48 to |54 inclusive, each having formed thereon a cam rise portion which operates when brought beneath the cooperating pawl to move the same to raised inoperative position. Theslide |16 is moved to cause the rise portion thereof to engage beneath and move the pawl |54 to inoperative position, or alternatively to permit the engagement of the pawl with its ratchet |46 through connections controlled from the pattern chain of the machine, which include a lever |84 supported intermediate its length on a vertically extending pivot shaft |86, and provided at its forward end with a downward extension for engagement between two upwardly extending lugs formed on theslide |16. The positions of the slides |18, |80 and |82, are similarly controlled by means of levers |96, |98 and 200 supported on the vertically extending pivot shaft |86. Each of these levers |84, |96,

` |98 and 200 is arranged to be controlled by means of a pattern lever associated with the left hand control station 8| as best shown in Figs. 4 and 5. Thelever |84 is connected by means of a link |92 with a pattern lever |94 pivotally supported on a pivot shaft |93, and provided with a thin downwardly extending contact portion which passes through the teeth of the comb 81 for engagementl with an associated button or buttons on the pattern chain 80. A horizontal extension ofthe pat-y tern lever |94 is arranged for engagement with a second pivot shaft |95 formingpart lof the control station 8| to positively limit the downward movement of the pattern lever toward the chain.

' Identical pattern levers Y202, 204 and 206 supported on the rock .shaft |93, arevv similarly y'connected to control the positions of therespective levers |96, |98 and 200. The pivot shaft |95 also provides support for a series' of locking levers,

one such locking leverbeing provided to cooperate with each of the pattern levers'l94, 202, 204 and 206. These locking levers are identical in construction and mode of operation with locking lever 252 also supported on the shaft |95, and

will be referred to in connection with the enlarged illustration of Fig. 6, and description thereof, for 1 controlling the operation of pattern lever 246.

While one specific form of pattern control racking mechanism has been illustrated in the drawings, which is capable' of automatic operation from the pattern chain ofthe machine for caus-` ing the chain to be advanced with each racking I movement through one, two, three or four unit distances with each racking movement of thechain, it will beundorstood that other forms of such racking mechanism may be employed, and

that such mechanism may be employed to effect -a greater movement of the chain with each racking movement, if so desired.

With the construction and arrangement of the pattern chain above described having a plurality of pattern operating stations spaced alongthe length of the machine, it will be understood that any desired selection of the several pattern controls may be associated with any particular sta`- tion. An important advantage which accrues froml the provision of a plurality of pattern control stations, spaced along the length of the machine as above described, consists in the fact that any designated pattern control may be operated from a pattern control station which is located adjacent to the mechanism to be controlled, thus eliminating the necessity for the usual long connecting rods and links usually found on `su`ch machines equipped with a pattern chain and a .single pattern control station associated therewith. Because of the great complexity of modern full-fashioned type knitting machines, which are currently provided with las many as eighty or more individual pattern controls, it hafsfbe'en found impracticable and it is believed unnecessary, to illustrate in detail all of the pattern controls normally associated with thesemachines. In order to illustrate the application o`f the pres,- ent invention for fully automatic 'control of arr automatic machine of the type described, a' few selected pattern controls have been illustratedv and will hereinafter be described to illustrate the manner in which any number ofsuch desired' controls may be actuated from the pattern chain so of themachina In Figs. 3 and 6 of the drawings is 'shown the usual pattern control for shifting the main'icam shaft 28 of the machine from its usual knitting to a narrowing position. In vview of the location ofthe cam shaft shifting mechanism at the'lefthand end of the machine, the narrowing shift control is illustrated in connection with the lefthand or first pattern control station 8| of the machine. The cam shaft shift mechanism, which may be of, ordinary construction, comprises the usual pair of shift roller levers 2|0 supported on vertically extending pivots 2|2 and provided with shift rollers 2|4 for engagement with the usual narrowing shift face cam 2|6 on the main cam shaft 28l of the machine. A tension spring 2|8 connected between the levers 2|0 tends to engage the rollers 2|4 with opposite sides of the cam 2|6. The operation of the shift levers 2l0 to cause the shifting of the cam shaft 28 to and 'from narrowing position is controlled by means of a rocker lever 222 pivotally supported at 224 on the machine and provided at opposite endswith adjustable stop pins 226 and 228 for alternative engagement with one or the other of the shift levers 2| 0. An upwardly extending arm 230 of the rocker lever1222 is connected by a link 232 with a bell crank 234 pivotally supported on the machine frame.' The laterally extending arm of the bell crank 234 is connected through a link 236 to a bell crank 238 which is in turn connected through a, link 240 to a narrowing control lever 24| supporting on the pivot shaft 242. 'I'he lever 24| is provided with a laterally extending arm 243 which underlies af laterally extending arm 244 of a pattern lever 246 ox pivot shaft |93 associated with the left-hand pattern control station 86 of the machine.

, As best shown in Figs. and 6, pattern vmechanism is also provided controlled from the pattern lever 246 for slowing the machine motor to drive the machine at a reduced rate. This mechanism comprises a link 241 which is connected at one l end to an upwardly extending arm of the pattern lever 246, and at its other end to acrank arm 248 of a motor slow-down switch 249, which is thus rendered operative when the cam shaft is shifted to narrowing position to cause the machine to operate at a relatively slow rate.

In the operation of a flat full-fashioned type machine in knitting foot and leg hosiery blanks, certain of the mechanisms for performing fashioningand other operations auxiliary to knitting, are maintained in active operation during a number of successive revolutions of the main cam shaft of the machine, or through a number of successive rackings of the pattern chain. These operations, may be controlled from pattern mechanism which in the present instancecomprises the pattern chain 80 of the machine, and pattern levers which are arranged to be moved into operative position, and to be maintained in such opciated therewith must be held in its raised operas tive position during the knitting of these courses,

an adjustment in the number of courses in which this operation will be effected is readily obtained V by a similar adjustment of the pattern control buttons to produce relatively fast or slower racking, as may be desired, while this operation is being performed.

As best shown in Figs. 3, 5 and 6 of the drawings, the camv shaft shift pattern lever 246 has formed on the button engaging extension thereerative position during thecontinuance of the erating position by a button on the chain, and

to be held in this position by means of a latching device which is released to permit the return of the pattern lever and the connections actuated thereby by means of a second button located on the pattern chain. With this construction and arrangement of the pattern mechanism, the use of the usual pattern chain buttons serially located on the chain for holding a pattern lever in of, a laterally extending pin 258 which is arranged for engagement with a notched detent lever 252 loosely supported on pivot shaft |95. A tension spring 254 connected at one end to the latch 252, and at its other end to a pin 258 on the pivot shaft 293, tends to maintain the latch in engagement with'the pin 250. The latch lever 252` is further provided with a narrow gauge downward extension passing through the aligning comb 81 for engagement with pattern buttons located in a lane provided for this purpose on the pattern chain 80. Movement of the narrowing pattern lever 246 to its raised operative shown in Fig. 6, causes the pin 258 to ride in the notched portion of the latch lever 252 to lock the pattern lever 246 in its raised position. In instances whereit is desired to maintain the cam shaft 28 in its narrowing position for one revolution of the'cam shaft only, a pattern button such as that designated at 258 will be located on the chain to act simultaneously with the shifting of the pattern lever 246 to its operative position to move the latch lever 252 against the pressure of its spring 254 to inoperative position, thus permitting the return of the pattern lever 246 as the chain is again racked. Where the pattern shaft 28 is to be maintained in its narrowing position during a series of successive revolutions of the camshaft 28 as, for example, to permit the performance of a series of lace point loop trans- .'fer operations, the pattern lever 246 will be maintained in its narrowing position by the latch lever 252 during the entire series of operations, and is permitted to return the cam shaft to its normal knitting position only when a properly located button 258 on the pattern chain is brought into engagement with the detent lever 252. It will be understood that the mechanism above described in its broader aspects is not limited to the use of separate lanes for controlling the associated pattern levers and detent levers. It will be further understood that applicants propose to provide similar detent levers to cooperate with other pattern control levers of the machine. As illustrated, for example, in Figs. 3, 5 and 6 of the drawings, the pattern levers |84, 202, 284 and 206 associatedwith the variable racking mechanism, are each similarly provided with latch control levers identied at 260, 262, 264 and 268 pivotally mounted on pivot shaft |96 of the lefthand pattern control station 8| of the machine.

The pattern control for controlling the rackvactuating cam 294 on the main cam shaft 28 of the machine. A tension spring 298 tends to hold the roller 290 in engagement with its cam 294. The roller 290 is shifted into and out of operative position with relation to the cam`294 to start and stop the racking cf the Pointex spindle through connections controlled from the pattern shaft 80 which comprise a cam shift lever 298 supported ona stationary pivot 300, and provided at one end with a fork engaging theroller 290. At its other end the lever 298 is connected by means of a link 302 to an upwardly extending arm of a pattern lever 304 carried on the pivot `shaft 308 associated with the right-hand pattern control station 88 of the machine (see Fig. 10). Inasmuch as this mechanism is maintained in active operation during the knitting of a large number of successive courses, a latch lever 308 is mounted on pivot shaft 3I0 for engagement with the pattern lever 304 tc maintain the lever in operating position until such time as the latch is operated by a button on the pattern chain to release the pattern lever 304. Inasmuch asV the construction and operation of the latch 308 is identical with that of the latch 252 previously described, 'no further description thereof is believed necessary.

Further in accordance with the invention, applicants disclose in Figs. 8 and 9, another form of pattern control mechanism constructed and arranged to be actuated from the pattern chain of the machine, and including a relay mechanism positively actuated from the main cam shaft 28 of the machineadapted for the shifting of pattern controlled parts against a strong resistance such as may occur for example in the shifting of a number of identical cam rollers spaced along the length of the machine, each of such rollers being frictionedv against its operating cam by a heavy spring. This mechanism comprises a cam actuated lever 320 supported on a rock'shaft 322, and provided at its lower end with a cam roller 324 adapted to ride against an actuating cam 328 on the main cam shaft 28 of the machine. A tension spring 328 attached to the lever 320, serves to maintain the roller 324 in engagement with its cam. With this construction, it will readily be seen that the cam actuated lever 320 and shaft 322 have imparted thereto a rocking movement in timed relation to each knitting cycle of the machine. It is contemplated that the rock control. For convenience of construction, the il-A lustrated actuating arm 330 is formed integrally with the cam lever 320. It will be understood that the entire assembly including cam 328 and lshaft 322 will extend along the length of the ma- N cam lever 320 may be repeated at intervals along 75 position shown in Fig. 8.

the length of the machine if so desired, to avoid excessive torsional strains on shaft 322.

One example of the pattern control which it is proposed to operate in connection with relay or power booster mechanism above described, is specifically illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, and comprises a pattern link 332 forming a connection between a bell-crank 334 supported on astationary pivot 838 and the part or parts to be actuated. A horizontally'extending arm 338 of the bell-crank has pivotally rconnected thereto at 340, a depending arm 342 which is adapted for the vertical positionof the arm 342 vshown in Figs. 8 and 9, to be engaged bythe contacting end of one such actuating lever 330, so that during the upward rocking movement of the armr 330, the bell-crank 334 will be rocked in a. counterclockwise direction to the operating position shown in Fig. 8, against the pressure of a light tension spring 348. A tension spring 348 connected at one end to the depending lever arm 342, and at its other end to a stationary pin 350,

mechanism has been Aapplied to aid in the shifting of a cam roller between idling and operating positions on its cooperating idling and operating cams. Since the cam and follower connections comprise an operating mechanism of a type common in full-fashioned machines, only so much of this mechanism is shown as is believed necessary to illustrate the manner of operation of applicants booster mechanism as applied thereto. Connected to the pattern link 332 is a roller shifting fork 345 which engages with the grooved hub of a cam follower roller 341 mounted for axial adjustment on a pin 349 carried on the rear end of a c am lever 35|. 'The roller 341 is shiftable with relation to cams 353 on the main cam shaft 28 of the machine between an operating and an idling position. A heavy compression spring 355 coiled about lthe pattern link 332 engaging at one end against a supporting .bracket 351 and at its other endY against the shifting fork 345 tends normally to maintain the several cooperating parts including the shiftable roller 341 in idling position.

The operation of the parts above described, including the lever 342, is controlled from the pattern chain of the machine, through connections which include a pattern lever 352 (see Fig. 8) supported on a pivot shaft 354 associated with oneof the intermediate control stations, for example, that designated generally at in Fig. l, and having a downwardly extending portion 358 arranged to be engaged by a button on the pattern chain80. The pattern lever 352 is arranged to be held in operating position during the knitting of any desired number of successive courses, by means ofy a latch 358 pivotally supported on a shaft 380, and having formed therein a recess adapted for engagement with a latch pin 382 on the pattern lever 352. connected between the latch 358 and a fixed pin 388, tends to move the 'latch into the latching An upwardly extending arm of the pattern lever 352 is connected by means of a link 310 with a slide consisting of a yoke 312 and a plunger 314 rigidly secured thereto, slidably supported in a fixed bracket 318, and provided at its opposite end with a roller 318 which engages with a contacting surface 388 A ytension spring 384 of the depending lever arm 342. Movement of the pattern lever 352 in a counterclockwise direction to the position shown in Fig. 8, will cause the plunger 314 to be moved to the` left to the position shown in Fig. 8, to move the depending lever arm 342 into operating positionin alignment with the actuating lever 33|)` In order that the`bel1-crank 334, link 332, and parts controlled thereby, may be maintained in operative position during the knitting of a number ofvsuccessive urses, there is also provided a second plunger 382 which is supported in a sleeve bearing formed inthe yoke 312, and also in a sleeve bearing formed in va stationary bracket 384. A compression spring 388 coiled about the plunger 382 between a collar 388 secured to the plunger and the yoke 312, tends to force the latch plunger 382 to the left to the' limiting operative position shown in Fig. 8, in which the collar 388 is engaged against the bracket 384, and the left hand end of the latch is located in locking position beneath the horizontally extending arm 3,38 of the bell-crank 334, when the bell-crank has been moved to operative position under the inuence of the actuating arm 330. A collar 398 secured to the right-hand end of the plunger 382 engages against a `corresponding portion of the ycke 312, to cause the plunger 382 to beretracted and advanced with the yoke 312 andi plunger 314. When it is desired to discontinue the pattern controlled operation, a button on the chain 88 is brought into engagement with and releases the latch 358, thus permitting the pattern lever 352 to move in a clockwise direction to its inoperative position. The movement of the yoke 312 to the right, causes the latch plunger 382 to be withdrawn against thepressure of its spring 386, and the p1un'ger314 to be similarly withdrawn, so that the depending lever 342 is permitted to move to the right out of alignment with the actuating lever 338, and the bell-crank 334 to move in a clockwise direction under the pressure of its spring 346 to move the pattern controls to inoperative position.I

It will be understood that the invention is not. limited to the specific embodiment. shown, and that various deviations may be made therefrom without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims." t

What is claimed is:

1. In a hosiery knitting machine for knitting fabric pieces operablein accordance with a re-,

curring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses having knitting devices and cooperating devices adapted for performing various operations auxiliary to knitting and arranged to produce stockings of dierent lengths, a pattern mechanism for the machine which comprises a carrier having actuating bumps thereon, pattern elements actuated by the carrier bumps for controlling said devices, mean's to rack the carrier the number of times necessary for controlling ysaid devices to produce a garment having a maximum number of courses while the carrier is being moved through one cycle, and means controlled from said carrier for causing said racking means to rack the carrier through its cycle at a Afaster rate to produceA fabric pieces having fewer courses.

2. In a hosiery knitting machine for knitting -fabriopieces operable in'accordance with ia recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses having knitting devices andv cooperating devices adapted for performing various operations auxiliary to knitting and arranged to 75 produce stockings of different lengths, a pattern mechanism for the machine which-comprises a carrier having actuating bumps thereon, pattern elements actuated by the carrier bumps for con- 5 trolling said devices, means for advancing the carrier through a uniform minimum distance to.

position succeeding portions thereof in operative relation to said pattern elements at regularly recurring intervals of machine operation to produce a stocking of maximum length, and means stocking.

31 In a flat hosiery knitting machine operable in accordance withva knitting cycle for the knit- `ting`of successive courses to produce stockings of vdiilerent lengths, a pattern control" for the machine comprising, in combination, apattem` chain and pattern control elements actuated from the chain, means for advancing the chain y through a minimum uniform distance -to position succeeding portions' thereof inoperative relation to said` pattern control elements at regularly recurring intervals of machine operation to produce a stocking of maximum length, and means for controlling said advancing means to increase the distance throughwhich the chain is advanced in each of a plurality of selected recurring intervals of machine operation, and thereby to shorten the stocking.

4. In a fiat hosiery knitting machine operable in accordance with a knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses to produce stockings of diere'nt lengths, a pattern control mechanism for the machine comprising, i'n combination, a

pattern chain and pattern control elements actuated from the chain, means for imparting 40 a step-by-step advancing movement to the chain through a uniform minimum distance at' regularly recurring intervals of machine operation to produce a stocking of maximum length, and control means for increasing the length f such stepped advancing movement effected at each of a plurality of selected recurring intervals, and thereby to shorten the stocking.

5. In a fiat hosiery knitting machine operable in accordance with a knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses and arranged to produce stockings of diiferent lengths, a pattern control' mechanism for the machinecomprising, in combination, a pattern chain and buttons thereon, said `chain consisting of a series of button supporting segments considered lengthwise of the chain, and pattern control elements arranged to be actuated by buttons on any selected segments of said chain, and racking mechanism adapted for imparting stepped advancing movements to the chain through a uniform minimum distance equal to one segment at regularly recurring intervals of machine operation, said racking mechanism having provision for adjustment to cause the chain to be advanced through a distance equal to one or a plurality of such segments foreach of aplurality of selected recurring intervals, and thereby to shorten the stocking. i

6. In a ilat knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses, a pattern control mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, a pattern chain and pattern control elements actuated from the chain, and racking mechanism adapted for imparting a stepped steps for each knitting cycle of the machine.

'7. In a ilat knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses, a pattern control mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination. a pattern chain and pattern control elements actuated from the chain, a variable step racking mechanism including a plurality-of racking devices selectively operable for imparting a different length' step advance to the chain, and means controlled from the pattern chain for selectively operating said racking devices.

8. In a iiat knitting machine for knitting fab- Cil ric pieces operable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses having knitting devices andcooperating devices adapted for performing various operations auxiliary to knitting, a pattern mechanism for the machine which comprises an endless pattern chain having pattern buttons thereon, said chain having pattern supporting links at least equal in number to the number of recurring knitting cycles of the machine required for the knitting of the longest fabric piece which the machine will be called upon to knit, pattern elements actuated by the chain buttons for controlling said devices, racking mechanism adapted for imparting a stepped advancing movement to the chain with each knitting cycle, and means for causing said racking mechanism to advance the chain one or a plurality of such steps for each knitting cycle of the machine to vary the length of the fabric piece.

9. In a flat knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses, having knitting devices and cooperating mechanisms adapted for performing various operations auxiliary to knitting, a pattern control mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, a pattern chain and buttonsv thereon, said chain consisting of a series of button supporting segments considered lengthwise of the chain, pattern control elements arranged to be actuated by buttons on any selected segments of said chain, means for advancing the chain one or more segments at regularly recurring intervals of machine operation, and means controlled from the pattern chain for predeterminingl the number of segments through which the chain will be advanced during each of said recurring intervals of machine operation.

10. In a at knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses, having knitting devices and cooperating devices adapted for performing various operations auxiliary to knitting,

a pattern control mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, a pattern chain and buttons thereon, said chain consisting of a series of button supporting segments considered lengthwise of the chain, means for advancing the chain one or more segments at regularly recurring intervals during continued machine operation, pattern control elements arranged to be actuated by buttons on anyselected segments of said chain, and means controlled from the pattern chain for predetermining the number oi segments through which the chain will be advanced during each of said recurring intervals, said chain having a number of segments at least equal to the greatest number of such intervals which will occur in the knitting of the longest fabric piece which the machine will be called upon to knit.

11. In a nat knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring cycle for the knitting of successive courses, a pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, a pattern chain extending along the length of thev machine, a plurality of pattern control stations spaced along the length of the chain, each comprising pattern control 'elements arranged to be acted upon by the chain, supporting and advancing means for the chain including individual supports over which the chain passes for cooperal tive engagement with the pattern control elements at each of said stations, and means for simultaneously moving said supports and the chain supported thereon to and from operative position with relation to said control elements.

12. In a fiat knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses, a pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, an endless pattern chain supported for movement lengthwise of the machine, pattern control elements arranged to be actuated from the chain, a support over which the chain passes for cooperative engagement with said pattern control elements, means for imparting positioning movements to said support and chain away from said `pattern control elements to permit resetting of the pattern mechanism, and means for locking the chain against inadvertent movement on its support during said positioning movements.

13. In a flat knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses, a pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, an endless pattern chain supported along the length of the machine, a plurality of pattern control stations spaced along the length of said chain, each comprising pattern control elements arranged to be acted upon by the chain, and a driving sprocket engaging the chain, means for synchronously driving said sprockets, a movable support for each of said sprockets, and means for simultaneously moving said supports and the chain supported thereon to and from operative position with relation to said control elements.

14. In a at knitting machineoperable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the 'knitting of successive courses, a pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, an endless pattern chain supported along the length of the machine, a plurality of pattern Acontrol stations spaced along the length of said chain, each comprising pattern control elements arranged to be acted upon by the chain, and a cordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the f knitting of successive courses, pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combina- -tion, an endless pattern chainextending lengthwise of the machine, pattern control elements arranged to be actuated from the chain, a driving sprocket over which the chain passes substantially at the operating point of said pat\ tern control elements, a driving shaft extending lengthwise of the machine, a supporting bracket for the Sprocket pivotally mounted on said shaft, gear connections between the shaft and the sprocket for rotating the sprocket, means for imparting a stepped rotational movement to the shaft to advance the sprocket and chain supported thereon, and manually -operable means including a worm and worm gear for moving said bracket about the shaft into and out of operative position with relation to said control elements.

16. In a fiat knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses, pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, an endless pattern chain extending lengthwise of the machine, pattern control elements arranged to be actuated from the chain, a driving sprocket over which the chain passes substantially at the operating point of said pattern control elements, a driving shaft extending lengthwise of the machine. a supporting bracket for the sprocket pivotally mounted on said shaft, gear connections between the shaft and the sprocket for rotating the sprocket, means for imparting a stepped rotational movement to the shaft to advance the sprocket and chain supported thereon, manually operable means including a worm and worm gear for-moving said bracket about the shaft into and out of operative position with relation to said control elements, and means under the control of the operator to lock the shaft against rotational movement.

1'7. In a fiat knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses, pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, an endless pattern chain extending lengthwise of the machine, pattern control elements arranged to be actuated from the chain, a driving sprocket over which the chain passes substantially at the operating point of said pattern control elements, a driving shaft extending lengthwise of the machine, a supporting bracket for the sprocket pivotally mounted on said shaft, gear connections between the shaft and the sprocket for rotating the sprocket, means `for imparting a stepped rotational movement to the shaft to advance the sprocket and chain supported thereon, manually operable means including a worm and worm gear for moving said bracket about the shaft into and out of operative position with relation to said control elements, and a locking device for locking the bracket in its operative position.

18. In a at knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses, a pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, an endless pattern chain supported along the length of the machine, a plurality of driving sprockets for the chain spaced along the length thereof, a drive shaft extending lengthwise of the machine and bevel gear-connections therefrom with each of said sprockets, and racking means for imparting a step-by-step rotational movement to said drive.

19. In a flat knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses, a pattern mechanism for themachine comprising, in combination, an endless pattern chain, and individual intervals along the length of the machine; and a plurality of pattern control .stations spaced along the length of said chain, each comprising with one of said supporting means a plurality of pattern control elements arranged to be acted upon by said chain.

20. In a at knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses. ,Ja/pattern mechanism for the machine comprisin'gyfil'ifcombination, an endless pattern chain, andf'individual supporting means for supporting the chain at intervals along the length of the machine, a plurality of pattern operating stations spaced along the length of the chain, each comprising with one of said supporting means,4 a plurality of pattern control elements, and buttons on the chain positioned laterally thereof for engagement with the selected pattern control elements only of said several stations.

21. In a at knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses having knitting devices and cooperating devices adapted for performing various operations auxiliary to knitting, pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, an endless pattern chain supported along the length of the machine, and pattern buttons supported on the chain in closely adjacent lanes, a plurality of pattern control stations spaced along the length of said chain, eachI comprising pattern control elements spaced to cooperate with buttons in selected lanes, a driving sprocket for the chain associated with each control station, and means for synchronously driving said sprockets.

22. In a ilat knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring cycle for the knitting of successive courses having knitting devices and cooperating devices adapted for performing various operations auxiliary to knitting, a pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, an endless pattern chain supported along the length of the machine, and pattern buttons supported on the chain in closely adjacent lanes, a plurality of pattern control stations spaced along the length of said chain, each comprising pattern control elements spaced to cooperate with buttons in selected lanes, a driving sprocket for the chain associated with each control station, means for synchronously driving said sprockets to position succeeding portions of the chain in operative relation to said pattern con- Atrol elements at regularly recurring intervals of machine operation, and means for controlling said advancing means to vary the distance through which the chain is advanced lbetween supporting means for supporting the chain at said recurring intervals of machine operation.

23. In a nat knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses, a pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, an endless pattern chain, and pattern buttons supported on the chain in closely adjacent lanes, a plurality of pattern control elements, one

tion, an endless pattern chain, and narrow gauge pattern buttons supported on the chain in closely adjacent lanes, a plurality of pattern control elements each having the button engaging portion thereof narrowed to the gauge of the buttons, one such pattern control elementA being xassociated with each of saidlanes, and the pattern control elements of adjacent lanes being staggered lengthwise of the chain, and means 'for supporting the chain at the operating point of each of said staggered control elements.

25. Ima iiat knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses. a pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, an endless pattern chain, and narrow gauge pattern buttons supported on the chain in closely adjacent lanes, a plurality of pattern control elements each having the button engaging portion thereof narrowed to the gauge of the buttons, one such pattern control element being associated with each of said lanes, and the pattern control elements of Vadjacent lanes being staggered lengthwise of the chain, guiding means engaging with the narrowed portion of each of said pattern control elements to accurately register the same with associated buttons on. the chain, and means for supporting the chain at the operating point of each of said staggered control elements.

26. In a' flat knitting machine operable in accordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of succesive courses, having knitting devices and cooperating devices adapted forperforming various operations auxiliary to knitting, a pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, an endless pattern chain supported along the length of the machine and pattern buttons supported on the chain in closely adjacent lanes, and a plurality of pattern control stations spaced along the length of said machine;

each comprising a plurality of pattern control elements spaced to cooperate with buttons in non-adjacent lanes. Y

27. In a hat knitting machine operable in ac-V cordance with a recurring hitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses, having knitting devices and cooperating devices adapted for performing various operations auxiliary to knitting, a pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, an endless pattern chain supported along the length of the machine and narrow gauge pattern buttons supported on thev chain in closely adjacent lanes, aplurality of pattern control stations spaced along the length of said machine, each comprising a plurality of pattern control elements spaced to cooperate with tions for accurately registering said control ele-i ments with associated buttons.

29. In a ilat knitting machine operable in acmeans controlled from the chain for controlling the distance advance of the chain during each of said intervals, a pattern control element arranged tobe moved into operating position by a button on the chain, and means for locking said element in operating position, said locking means being arranged to be operated by a second button on the chain to permit the return of said element to inoperative position.

30. In a iiat knitting machine operated in accordance with a recurring cycle for the knitting of successive courses having knitting devices and cooperating devices adapted for performing variousv operations auxiliary to knitting, a pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, an endless pattern chain supported for movement lengthwise of the machine, a pluralityl of pattern control stations spaced along the length of said: chain, each' comprising with a Adriving sprocket. pattern control elements arranged to be acted upon by the chain, and a support on which the chain is guided to cooperate with said pattern control elements.

31. In a. nat knitting machine operated in accordance with a recurring cycle for the knitting of successive courses having knitting devices and cooperating devices adaptedfor performing various operations auxiliary to knitting, a pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, an endless pattern chain supported for movement lengthwise of the chain, and pattern buttons supported on the chain in adjacent lanes considered widthwise of the chain, a plurality of control stations, each such station having with a driving sprocket, a plurality of pattern control buttons in selected lanes, and guiding combs associated with each station for accurately registering the buttons with the associated control elements.

28. In a ilat knitting machine operable in accordance with arecurring cycle for the knitting of successive courses having knitting devices and cooperating devices adapted for performing 'various operations auxiliary to knitting, a pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, a pattern chain and narrow gauge pattern buttons supported in adjacent lanes considered widthwise of the chain, a control station vcomprising a plurality of `pattern control elements arranged to be acted upon by buttons in said lanes, each of said pattern control elements having the button engaging portion thereof narrowed to the gauge of the associated buttons, and guiding means engaging said narrowed porelements arranged to be acted upon by buttons in said lanes, supporting means for guiding the chain with relation to said control elements, and a guiding comb associated with` said control elements for accurately registering said element-s l with associated buttons.

32. In a hat knitting machine adapted for knitting shaped fabrics having knitting devices and devices for-performing various operations auxiliary to knitting, a cam shaft, cams on the cam shaft, and actuating devices including cam levers and rollers shiftable into and out of operative relation to said cams for actuating certain of said devices, a pattern chain, a pattern element actuated by said chain, a roller shifting device driven from the cam shaft,I and means controlled by said pattern element to render said 7 shifting device operative to shift the roller.

33. In a fiat knitting machine adapted -for knitting shaped fabrics having knitting devices and devices for performing various operations auxiliary to knitting, a cam shaft, cams on thel cam shaft, and actuating devices including cam levers and rollers shiftable into andA out of operative relation to said cams for actuating certain of said devices, a pattern chain, a pattern element actuated by said chain, a roller shifting device comprising a shifting element continuously oscillated by said cam shaft, a connecting meniber movable into the path of said shifting element to shift the roller, and an operating con- Y of said devices, a pattern chain and narrow gauge pattern buttons supported in adjacent lanes considered widthwise of the chain, a pattern elelment having the button engaging portion thereof narrowed to the gauge of the associated button, a roller shifting device drivenfrom the cam chain for locking and for releasing saidelement g from its operative position,` a roller shifting device driven from the cam shaft, and 4means controlled by said pattern element Vto render said shifting device operative to shift the roller.

35. In a flat knitting machine adapted for knitting shaped fabrics having knitting devices and devices for performing various operations auxiliary to knitting, a cam shaft, cams on the cam shaft, and actuating devices including cam levers and rollers shiftable into and out of operative relation to said cams for actuating certain of said devices, a pattern chain, a pattern element actuated by said chain, a roller shifting device comprising a shifting element continuously oscillated by said cam shaft, a connecting member movable into the path of said shifting element to shift the roller, and operating connections rendered operative by movement of the pattern element to operative position to shift the connecting member into the path ofgthe shifting element to shift the roller and thereafter to lock` the roller in operative position, and by the return of said pattern element to inoperative position to permit the return of the roller to inoperative position and the movement of the connecting member out of the path of said shifting element, y

' 36. In. a fiat knitting machine adapted for knitting shaped fabrics having knitting devices and devices for performing various operations auxiliary to knitting, a cam shaft, cams on the cam shaft, and actuating vdevices including cam levers and rollers shiftable into and out of operative relaton io said cams for actuating certain shaft. and means controlled by said pattern ele-L ment to render said shifting device oper itive to shift the roller. Y t f 37. In a at knitting machine operable in .ac-

cordance with a recurring knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses, a pattern mechanism for the machine comprising, in combination, Y y

an endless pattern chain extending lengthwise of the machine, a plurality of driving sprockets for the chain spaced along the length thereof, means for synchronously driving said sprockets, and a .chain tightening device including an idler rolle'r on which the chain is supportedv at one end thereof, and an idler support adjustable vlengthwise of the machine. l

38. In a hosiery knitting machine for knitting stockings of dierent lengths. a pattern chain for controlling the length of stocking being knitted, means for racking said chain through a complete cycle by a maximum number of chain racking movements to produce a stocking of maximum length, and means controlled by said chain for racking said chain through a complete cycle by a lesser number of chain racking movements to produce a stocking of shorter length.

39.` In a-iiat hosiery knitting machine operable f in accordance with a knitting cycle for the knitting of successive courses having knitting devices' and cooperating devices adapted for performing various operations auxiliary to 'knitting and arranged to produce stockings of diiferent'lengths, a pattern chain for controlling the operation ofsaid knitting and auxy iliary devices and the length of stocking being knitted, loperating means for said chain providing a uniform step-by-step operation thereof for producing a stocking of maximum length, means for increasing the length of a .plurality of selected steps of the uniform operation of the chain to reduce the length of selected portions of the stocking.

. MAX C. MILLER.

FRITZ LAL/EACH. 

